Nitin Gadkari to lead anti-graft agitation in Delhi on Nov 21

NEW DELHI: Amid reports that BJP is reluctant to place its president Nitin Gadkari at the forefront of its anti-graft agitation, the party's Delhi unit announced on Friday that the leader will head the party's protest against the government in the capital on November 21.

Gadkari's decision to station himself in Delhi seems a change in plans as he was initially to address a rally in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a schedule announced by the BJP central office. This was seen as a move to keep him out of the spotlight at a time when the Purti case seemed to weaken the BJP's anti-corruption plank.

However, Delhi state BJP chief Vijendra Gupta on Friday said Gadkari will participate in a march from Jantar Mantar to the PM's residence on November 21 and address party workers. "BJP will march to the PM's house under the leadership of Nitin Gadkari," Gupta said.

Gupta said he had contacted Gadkari, urging him to lead the protest in Delhi as this would encourage party workers. "We got the confirmation and he and Rajnath Singh will be present," he said.